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Topic Title: steamingCreated on June 22, 2012 at 11:41 PM

Tom Kirkman

I have spent the past two or three weeks dialing in the cooking times for using the Holland as a steamer. This is so easy I can't believe I didn't do with it earlier.

I have steamed Lobster (best I've ever had), crab legs, and shrimp. All came out fantastic! Delicious. Now I'm thinking about buying another Apex and just keeping it as a dedicated steamer.

If you have a Holland haven't tried using it as a steamer, you're missing out.

Skip

Tom: I've tried many times to use my Holland as a steamer and the results were awful. Tell me your secret because I love lobster, crab legs, etc.Thanks!Skip

Tom Kirkman

Here are a few things to make sure of:

1. Fill the drip pan all the way up. Not just the trough (one of buddies only filled his trough). Go right up to the edge of the drip pan.

2. Once the temp hits about 275F, give it another 10 minutes to stabilize.

3. When you put on food or flip it, try to do it quickly and not leave the lid open very long.

4. Time is everything. Shrimp in the shell should only take about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Flip them with a spatula so you can flip several at at time. Lobster tails tack about 17 or 18 minutes. Crab Legs have worked for me in 10.

What problems are you having? Underdone? Overcooked? Other?

Skip

Tom: You explained my problem right off the bat! I was not filling the entire drip pan. A minor detail, right? I'm planning on steaming some Alaska King Crab legs over the 4th of July weekend and will let you know how they turn out.Thanks again,Skip

Tom Kirkman

A major detail! If you just fill the trough, you'll get about 350+F and not much steam.

I think you're going to find a great deal of difference when you fill the pan to the top. Enjoy those AKLs. The Holland should really do the job on them.

Here's a suggestion - those things are expensive. Because it doesn't take very long to steam shellfish - toss one on and experiment with it before dumping a whole bunch of them on there. Try steaming one 5 to 6 minutes per side, then remove, cool and try it. From there, adjust up or down accordingly.